Sumac Lemonade

The staghorn sumac tree’s fat clusters of berries ripen around mid-August into a burnished ruddy red. They make a pretty pink lemonade.

To make sumac lemonade, pick a dozen red clusters. Rub and crunch them and add to a gallon of cold water. Allow them to steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or a colander lined with cheesecloth into a pitcher. Sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup.